Fully Funded Schwarzman Scholarships in China – No IELTS Needed

Each year, the Schwarzman Scholars program selects up to 200 outstanding students from the United States, China, and around the world to pursue a fully funded one-year Master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing—Asia’s top-ranked university and a hub for leadership in politics, business, and technology.

Scholarships in China
Scholarships in China
Host CountryChina
Host InstituteTsinghua University in Beijing
Scholarship TypeFully Funded
No. of Scholarships200
Duration1 Year
Opening DateApril 2025
DeadlineSeptember 12, 2025

Schwarzman Scholars are selected from a highly competitive global pool of candidates. Successful applicants demonstrate exceptional academic

About the Schwarzman Scholars Program

The Schwarzman Scholars Program is a prestigious, fully funded master’s initiative based at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Launched in 2016, the program is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders by enhancing their understanding of China’s role in international affairs. Each year, it brings together a diverse cohort of high-achieving students from around the world who demonstrate strong leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to cross-cultural engagement. Scholars pursue a one-year Master’s degree in Global Affairs, with the option to specialize in public policy, economics and business, or international studies.

Funding and Support

The Schwarzman Scholars Program is entirely free to apply—no application fee is required. For shortlisted candidates, the program covers all interview-related expenses, including economy-class airfare or train tickets, group meals, and hotel accommodation for one night if needed.

Who Can Apply

In addition to demonstrating outstanding leadership skills, the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging trends, strong intellectual ability, and high moral character, applicants must also meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old as of August 1 in the year of enrollment (for the Class of 2026–2027). In other words, candidates must have reached their 18th birthday but not yet turned 29 by that date.
  • Applicants must have completed, or be on track to complete, all requirements for their undergraduate degree by August 1 of the year they plan to enroll in the Schwarzman Scholars Program. This includes students currently in the final year of their studies.There are no restrictions on undergraduate majors—students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply. However, it is essential that candidates clearly articulate how the Schwarzman Scholars experience will support their leadership development within their chosen field.
  • As all instruction in the Schwarzman Scholars Program is conducted in English, applicants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. Candidates whose native language is not English are required to submit official results from an approved English language test. Acceptable test options and minimum scores include:
    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall band score of 7.0
  • Applicants are not required to submit IELTS or other English language test scores if they meet one of the following conditions:
    • They have completed at least two years of undergraduate study at an institution where English was the primary language of instruction.
    • They have studied in English for two or more years at the Master’s level or beyond.
  • In these cases, the English proficiency requirement is considered fulfilled without the need for additional certification.

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by September 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Late submissions will not be considered under any circumstances, including technical delays or unexpected issues close to the deadline.

The Schwarzman Scholars Program will commence in August 2026.

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Required Application Materials

To apply for the Schwarzman Scholars Program, applicants must submit the following documents and materials:

  • Personal Bio Summary: Write a concise biographical paragraph (no more than 100 words) that highlights your leadership experience and outlines your future goals.
  • Résumé or CV: Upload an up-to-date résumé or curriculum vitae detailing your academic background, leadership roles, work history, and other relevant achievements. The document should not exceed two pages.
  • Introductory Video: Share a one-minute video introducing yourself. This is your chance to convey who you are beyond the written application—your personality, values, and leadership drive.
  • Academic Records: Submit official transcripts for every university or college you’ve attended. Each transcript must clearly show your full name, the institution’s name, your degree title, and the date the degree was conferred.
  • Proof of English Proficiency: If English is not your native language and you haven’t completed at least two years of study at the undergraduate or graduate level in English, you’ll need to provide results from an accepted English language exam (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English).
  • Written Components: You’ll be asked to submit:
    • A Leadership Essay (up to 750 words) reflecting on your leadership journey and its impact.
    • A Statement of Purpose (up to 500 words) describing your academic and professional goals, and how the Schwarzman Scholars Program fits into them.
    • Two short-answer responses, each limited to 100 words.
  • Recommendation Letters: List three referees who can speak to your leadership qualities, academic or professional achievements, and character. Include their full names, job titles, and contact information.

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Application Procedure

The Schwarzman Scholars application must be completed online. To begin, click the link below and follow the provided instructions.

Start by creating an account. Be sure to use a valid email address, as all communication about your application and admission status will be sent there. Once your account is created, you’ll receive an automated email with a temporary PIN and a prompt to activate your account.

If you don’t see the activation email right away, be sure to check your spam or junk folder before requesting assistance.

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After creating your account, click “Start New Application” to begin. You can return to your application as many times as needed before submission—just click “Continue” to save your progress each time.

Please note: All application materials must be submitted online through the official portal. Submissions by email or post will not be accepted. The entire application must be completed in English.

Apply here

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